Sign Language for Babies: 10 Easy Ways to Communicate
I think every new parent starts out with a long list of things they want to teach their baby—I know I did. But once that little one arrives, everything changes and that list seems to fly right out the window! One thing I did manage to stick with was teaching my babies sign language. And honestly, it was one of the best parenting choices I made. Being able to understand them before they could talk made life so much easier. Looking back, I believe it lessened tantrums and meltdowns because I could meet their needs quickly.
Because baby sign language was so successful for us, I wanted to share some of the basic signs that worked easily. These are simple enough for little hands and practical for everyday use. Teaching your baby to sign takes consistency and patience, but the payoff is huge. Each baby learns at their own pace, but if you expose them to the same signs daily, most will start using them before you know it.
(Note: All of the wonderful images originally came from BabySignLanguage.com — such a helpful site if you’re ready to dive deeper)
Drink
My first son knew the sign for “drink” and “milk.” He used “drink” for nearly two years, even after he stopped nursing.
Eat
“Eat” was one of the earliest and most useful signs. Instead of guessing if hunger was the problem, the kids would sign they wanted to eat.
More
This one might be the most used sign in any household with kids! Both of my boys signed “more” constantly—especially at the dinner table.
All Done
“All done” was a lifesaver at mealtimes and outings. Both of my boys used it often at the dinner table.
Again
Used mostly during playtime. Babies love to repeat games, songs, or fun activities, and being able to sign gives them a voice.
Please
We introduced “please” after “more.” It was a gentle way to start teaching manners even before they had words.
Thank You
This one took a little longer for both kids, but once they got it, it was so sweet to see tiny hands signing “thank you” to strangers at the store.
Potty
We paired the potty sign with a “ssssss” sound (inspired by The Diaper-Free Baby). It didn’t always stick for us, but for some babies, it can be a great tool in early potty training.
Yes
“Yes” and “No” weren’t used as much in our house, but they’re handy in public places where you don’t want to raise your voice.
No
A signed “yes” or “no” is clear, even in a noisy environment. I’m not saying it will work if you have a defiant child, but if you start early there is a chance.
Just for Fun
Once we had the basics down, we started learning animal signs like alligator, deer, and bug. The kids loved it and would even make up their own signs. Sometimes it took us a while to figure out what they meant, but it was always amazing to see their creativity.
The Takeaway
Baby sign language gave my boys confidence to express themselves before they could talk, and it gave me peace of mind knowing what they needed without the guesswork. It cut down on tantrums, strengthened our bond, and honestly just made life calmer.
If you’re a new parent, I highly recommend giving it a try. Even a handful of simple signs like more, eat, milk, and all done can make a huge difference in your daily routine.
Let Us Know
Have you tried baby sign language with your little one? I’d love to hear your experience below in the comments!
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